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Oceania is, to the People's Republic of China (PRC; "China") and the Republic of China (ROC; "Taiwan"), a stage for continuous diplomatic competition. The PRC dictates that no state can have diplomatic relations with both the PRC and the ROC. As of 2024, eleven states in Oceania have diplomatic relations with the PRC, and three have diplomatic relations with the ROC. These numbers fluctuate as Pacific Island nations re-evaluate their foreign policies, and occasionally shift diplomatic recognition between Beijing and Taipei. The issue of which "Chinese" government to recognize has become a central theme in the elections of numerous Pacific island nations, and has led to several votes of no-confidence.
Although both Australia and New Zealand have long recognized the PRC and maintain stable and cordial relationships, the PRC and the ROC continue to actively court diplomatic favours from small Pacific island nations, which commentators have referred to as "checkbook diplomacy", usually in the form of developmental aid, or in the case of the PRC, by providing assistance in building large government complexes, stadia, or infrastructure.[1] According to Taiwanese newspaper The China Post, "Taiwan and China compete ferociously for diplomatic ties, and both sides have given away millions of dollars to bolster diplomatic relations or steal allies from each other."[2]
Several Pacific island states receive significant amounts of development aid from the ROC or the PRC. Hamish McDonald of The Age thus reported in 2003 that "[p]laying off China against Taiwan for diplomatic recognition continues as a lucrative export earner for tiny Pacific island nations".[3] The ROC's Pacific allies pledge in return to promote Taiwan's interests in the United Nations, and do so actively.
In addition, several Pacific countries, including Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu have ethnic minorities of Chinese descent among their citizens. There are an estimated 80,000 "overseas Chinese" in the Pacific Islands, including 20,000 in Fiji and 20,000 in Papua New Guinea. Countries including Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu have also attracted Chinese businesses and investments.[1]
- ^ a b "The Pacific Proxy: China vs Taiwan" Archived November 4, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Graeme Dobell, ABC Radio Australia, February 7, 2007
- ^ "Taiwan president hopes summit will boost ties with South Pacific allies" Archived February 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, China Post, October 11, 2007
- ^ McDonald, Hamish (November 10, 2003). "Tiny Pacific islands play China using the Taiwan card". The Age. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2011.